Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of those recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Tender chicken cooked in a silky garlic-infused cream sauce creates a dish that feels indulgent yet completely approachable for home cooking. I often make this recipe on busy evenings when I want something comforting but still elegant enough to serve to guests. The garlic flavor is rich and aromatic without being overpowering, and the creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken. What makes this dish especially appealing is its versatility; it pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread for soaking up every bit of sauce. It is a one-pan recipe, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. If you are looking for a dependable dinner that feels restaurant-quality, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is a must-try.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe That Is Rich, Savory, and Comforting
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A rich and comforting dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping the pan.
- Add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Cook for another 3–4 minutes until fully coated and heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook evenly and stay tender when simmered in the sauce.
Salt
Salt seasons the chicken and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and depth.
All-purpose flour
A light coating of flour helps create a golden crust on the chicken and slightly thickens the sauce.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for searing the chicken and adds subtle richness.
Unsalted butter
Butter forms the base of the garlic sauce and adds a luxurious texture.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is the star ingredient, providing bold, savory flavor.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth adds depth and helps deglaze the pan.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream creates the smooth, velvety sauce that defines this dish.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds saltiness and umami, balancing the cream.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning brings gentle herbal notes.
Fresh parsley
Parsley adds freshness and color before serving.
Directions
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then lightly dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Allow the broth to simmer slightly before adding the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of approximately 25 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Garlic Chicken is easy to customize based on your preferences. You can add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra texture and nutrition. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result. Each variation maintains the rich, comforting nature of the dish while offering flexibility for different tastes.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is high in protein and contains dairy and gluten. Gluten-free flour may be used if needed, and the recipe can be adapted to suit low-carb diets by serving with vegetables instead of pasta or rice.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overcook the Chicken
Gentle simmering keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor and aroma.
Deglaze the Pan Well
Scraping the pan adds depth to the sauce.
Adjust Sauce Thickness
Simmer longer for a thicker sauce or add broth for a thinner consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work very well and stay especially juicy.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is mild, but spice can be added easily.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and can be made a day in advance.
What can I serve with creamy garlic chicken?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables pair perfectly.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat and avoid boiling once cream is added.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a small splash of white wine adds depth.
What Parmesan works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream alternatives and omit cheese.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich garlic cream sauce. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something simple yet impressive.
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